OTTUMWA, Iowa — Bacon lovers, families and runners are invited to Ottumwa on Saturday, November 14, 2026, for the annual BaconTown, a longtime community festival celebrating one of Iowa’s favorite pork products. Held at the Bridge View Center, the event combines bacon-inspired food, live entertainment, carnival rides, family-friendly activities and a scenic run along the Des Moines River.
Starting off the morning, the Bacon Run returns in 2026 with three race options, including a five-mile run, a 5K and a one-mile Piggy Wiggy event. Participants will enjoy a scenic run or walk along the Des Moines River on a private course featuring concrete and asphalt pathways.
The event begins with packet pickup at 8 a.m. inside the Bridge View Center, followed by the five-mile race at 9 a.m., the 5K at 9:20 a.m. and the one-mile Piggy Wiggy at 9:40 a.m. Chip timing will be provided by ERC Timing Solutions and is included with registration. Cash prizes will also be awarded to top finishers in designated age categories.
One of the unique features of the Bacon Run is its convenient start and finish location, just steps away from the large glass-windowed wall of the Bridge View Center. Participants can stay warm indoors before their race, access heated facilities and restrooms, and easily reach the course without a long walk, making the event especially accommodating for November weather in Iowa.
Registered runners will receive a variety of bacon-themed rewards, including an official Bacon Run race shirt, one pound of packaged, uncooked bacon, five Bacon Bucks to spend on food or beverages at BaconTown, and a 2.5-inch commemorative Bacon Run finisher medallion. The medallion also serves as a pass for early admission to BaconTown, allowing participants and their families or race supporters to enter the festival at 10 a.m., one hour before it opens to the general public.
Participants hoping to guarantee their preferred race shirt size must register by November 7. Registrations received after that date will be accommodated on a best-effort basis for shirt availability. Race shirts must be picked up at the event on November 14, as shirts will not be shipped afterward.
Following the races, participants and visitors can enjoy BaconTown, a longtime Ottumwa festival that transforms the Bridge View Center into an elaborate indoor downtown streetscape. Approximately 13,000 square feet of backdrops create the appearance of storefronts, where local chefs and food vendors serve a variety of bacon-inspired dishes.
Admission to BaconTown is free, and most bacon samples are available for just $1, with some larger portions priced at $2 or $3. Visitors can sample everything from traditional bacon favorites to creative dishes showcasing the versatility of pork. Water, soft drinks and adult beverages will also be available for purchase.
Families are encouraged to attend, with the 1st Credit Union Kids Zone offering free activities inside the Bridge View Center arena. Children can enjoy indoor carnival rides, games, face painting, inflatables and other entertainment while families explore the festival. Kid-friendly bacon dishes, including bacon macaroni and cheese and bacon-wrapped little smokies, will also be available.
Live music will return to BaconTown with The Mondeau Dukes performing throughout much of the day. Organizers emphasize that the festival is centered around food and community, with music providing a welcoming atmosphere where visitors can still comfortably socialize with friends and neighbors. Since it is close to Veterans Day, JBS is providing Veterans even more bacon – giving them a free package of bacon to take home. (while supplies last)
College football fans can also enjoy the festivities without missing their favorite teams. If Iowa college football games are scheduled during the event, organizers plan to show the action on large video boards.
Businesses interested in recognizing employees or treating staff members to a day of bacon-inspired food can purchase Bacon Bucks in advance. The vouchers can be used at participating food vendors throughout BaconTown, providing a unique employee appreciation opportunity.
For Iowa’s pork industry, events like BaconTown highlight the popularity and versatility of bacon while creating opportunities for local chefs, businesses and families to celebrate pork. The combination of a community race and food festival brings attention to pork products while supporting local food vendors and encouraging visitors to experience Ottumwa.
The second annual Bacon Run and BaconTown will take place Saturday, November 14, at the Bridge View Center in Ottumwa, Iowa. Whether visitors are participating in the race, sampling bacon-inspired dishes or bringing the family for carnival rides and entertainment, the event offers a full day of activities celebrating bacon and community.
Bacon Run and BaconTown Event Details
Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026
Location: Bridge View Center, Ottumwa, Iowa
Race Schedule:
- 8:00 a.m. – Packet pickup inside Bridge View Center
- 9:00 a.m. – Five-mile race begins
- 9:20 a.m. – 5K race begins
- 9:40 a.m. – One-mile Piggy Wiggy begins
- 10:00 a.m. – Early BaconTown admission for runners and their guests
- 11:00 a.m. – BaconTown opens to the public
Registration Deadline: November 7 to guarantee preferred race shirt size.
Runner Perks: Race shirt, one pound of packaged JBS bacon, five Bacon Bucks, commemorative finisher medallion, chip timing and early festival admission.
BaconTown Admission: Free and open to the public beginning at 11 a.m.
